Paul under house arrest is still preaching

Acts 28:17-31. Paul under house arrest – Rome for the first time.
February AD60 – March AD62, (First Roman imprisonment) Acts 28:17-31.

Paul, now a prisoner in Rome, was put under house arrest. Later he could move about but then was arrested again AD67-AD68 and put to death alongside Peter and his wife, an event still some 5-8 years away at this point.

Paul had a number of meetings with the local Jewish Community to explain to them and try to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets and the writings.

Paul, now an old man, had a wonderful unhindered time as he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ in the comfort of his own rented home.

Background Reading:

Paul Preaches at Rome Under Guard

28:17 Three days later, Paul called the leaders of the Jews together. When they assembled, he told them, “Brothers, although I haven’t done anything against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. 18 They examined me and wanted to let me go because there was no reason for me to receive the death penalty in my case. 19 But the Jews objected and forced me to appeal to the emperor, Nero was the emperor of Rome AD54–AD68, even though I have no countercharge to bring against my own people. 20 That’s why I asked to see you and speak with you, since it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.”

21 The Jewish leaders told him, “We haven’t received any letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers coming here has reported or mentioned anything bad about you. 22 However, we’d like to hear from you what you believe, because people are talking against this sect everywhere.” 23 So they set a day to meet with Paul and came out in large numbers to see him where he was staying.

From morning until evening, he continued to explain the kingdom of God to them, trying to convince them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24 Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others wouldn’t believe. 25 They disagreed with one another as they were leaving, so Paul added this statement: “The Holy Spirit was so right when he spoke to your ancestors through the prophet Isaiah! 26 He said,

‘Go to this people and say,

“You will listen and listen

but never understand,

and you will look and look

but never see!

27 For this people’s minds have become stupid,

and their ears can barely hear,

and they have shut their eyes

so that they may never see with their eyes,

and listen with their ears,

and understand with their heart

and turn and let me heal them.”’

28 You must understand that this message about God’s salvation has been sent to the gentiles, and they will listen.”
29 When he had said these words, the Jews left, arguing intensely among themselves.

30 For two whole years Paul lived in his own rented place and welcomed everyone who came to him. 31 He continued to preach about the kingdom of God and to teach boldly and freely about the Lord Jesus, the Messiah.
Acts 28:17–31


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